Movers Tip Calculator
Calculate appropriate tips for professional moving services (per mover)
Professional Movers Tipping Guide
Tipping movers is customary and appreciated, though not mandatory. Tips are usually calculated per mover, not as a percentage of the moving bill.
How Much to Tip Movers
- Half-Day Move (4 hours): $20-30 per mover
- Full-Day Move (8+ hours): $40-60 per mover
- Long-Distance Move: $50-100+ per mover depending on distance and days
- Difficult Move: Add $10-20 per mover (stairs, heavy items, tight spaces)
- Percentage Method: 5-10% of total moving cost split among crew
- Minimum Tip: $20 per mover regardless of move size
When to Tip More
- Extra Challenges: Many stairs, no elevator, narrow doorways, heavy furniture.
- Exceptional Care: Movers who are extra careful with fragile or valuable items.
- Extreme Weather: Moving in rain, snow, or extreme heat.
- Long Carry: Distance from truck to door is significant.
- Speed and Efficiency: Crew that works quickly and professionally.
- Going Above and Beyond: Assembly/disassembly of complex furniture, extra wrapping, accommodating special requests.
Tipping Logistics
- When to Tip: Tip at the end of the move after everything is unloaded and placed.
- Cash is Preferred: Have bills ready to hand to each mover individually.
- Separate Crews: If different crews handle loading and unloading, tip each crew separately.
- Team Lead: You can give total tip to foreman to split, or tip each mover directly.
- Refreshments: Providing water, coffee, or lunch is appreciated but doesn’t replace tips.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to common questions about tipping for this service
Tip $20-30 per mover for half-day moves (4 hours), $40-60 per mover for full-day moves (8+ hours). For long-distance moves, tip $50-100+ per mover depending on difficulty and days.
Movers are typically tipped per person (flat amounts) rather than percentages. However, you can use 5-10% of total cost split among the crew as a guideline.
Tip at the end of the move after everything is unloaded and placed. Give cash directly to each mover or hand total amount to foreman to split.
Reduce or withhold tips if damage was due to carelessness. However, if damage was accidental despite careful work, tip normally and file a claim with the company.
Yes, the movers doing the physical work often don't benefit from high company fees. They rely on tips. Tip based on service quality, not company charges.